optimism probably helped, or maybe it was determination. necessity. nature. someone like fernando silph must have seen opportunity in many things. perhaps the ability see it in the ruins of tragedy was what made him so effective. seeing potential was good for business.

reallocating funds from less crucial departments to needier areas was a no-brainer. 101. it was how to navigate such controversial decisions and weather the inevitable criticism that she sought wisdom for; but how deep into such an explanation could she expect him to go, here, in this moment, while he waited to drink his meal replacement in peace?

the look in her eye was not totally satisfied, but her response was simple.

”yes, i suppose that makes sense.”

her cheeks rounded gently with a small, polite smile.

”well,” she glanced at the mug in his hand. ”i don’t want to keep you from your lunch.”

FERNANDO SILPH

she found herself, briefly, more intrigued in the moment of silence. her gaze didn’t waver either. then, at his request, she nodded, memorizing. 

”of course.” another moment, and her smile swelled to a politely conclusive degree. ”well, i’ll leave you to it. have a good afternoon, mr. silph.”

she took her leave, returning towards her desk down the hall, a phone in hand to quickly enter in the details of his message into her sprawling list of reminders for the day.

the next afternoon, around this time, there would a bag waiting for him in the fridge from where he’d retrieved his meal replacement before. the folded over white paper showed the stamp of a stylish, well-reviewed kalosian bakery, recently opened in evergrande. written beneath it was mr. silph; within was a sandwich poulet crudités, and a note in utterly flawless penmanship:

it was nice meeting you, again. hope you enjoy. – iseult babineaux

FERNANDO SILPH